How can you tell when your baby is thirsty vs. hungry?

Question

Should you give them juice or water inbetween feedings to keep hydrated? (5 months old)

Answer 1

I started all my 3 kids on sippie cups by 4 months. It wet their whistle when I couldn't just drop everything to nurse. It hurt them nothing. I also breastfed til they were all a yr. Try and see if (s)he wants it.
My dr said it was fine and it made a difference for my children!

Answer 2

Hi there. Actually the answer to your question depends a bit on whether you are nursing your baby or giving it formula. If you are breastfeeding you should use every opportunity that the baby will nurse to help reinforce your milk suppy. Starting with the colosturm which contains so many immunities for the newborn baby right thru to the milk that will continue to keep him safe from most common childhood illnesses, breastfeeding is very important. If you give your baby water or juice when you could be giving him your milk you are replacing a highly nutritious food with one that has little or no value.
Of course if you are giving your baby formula it is not nearly so vital.
I hope I have answered your question.
Love and Blessings
Lady Trinity~

Answer 3

Babys usually eat about every 4 hrs. Give or take a little...smile. So if it isn't quite their time to eat offer a little water. I gave both of my boys water. Nurses gave it to them before we even left the hospital. They told me sometimes in between feedings they get a little fretty at times and thats the time to offer some water so they become familiar with it. At 5 months is when I started the sippy cup with water. Breaking bottle was easier. Off by 10 months. Oh before I forget. A wise old woman once told me"Never give them a bottle a bedtime" They don't miss what they never had. So when I was breaking them of the bottle...bedtime was always great, no crying for bottle. Good Luck you will be fine....smile.

Answer 4

It's probably not really necessary since their diet is totally fluid at 5m. Juice isn't a good idea because of the sugars and empty calories but some water certainly won't hurt - maybe s/he could start to take some water from a sippy cup at 5 months if you are holding it. They will just take what they want!

Answer 5

At 5 months, your baby is getting plenty of water from the breastmilk/formula. There is no need to give juice or water just yet. Wait until he/she starts to eat some solids and finger foods, then you can introduce juice (diluted) or water. But for now, no need to worry!

Answer 6

It wouldnt hurt to give her a little bit of juice or water between feedings its actually good for babies stomachs and pear juice can sometimes help if they need to take a poop just dont over do it give her water or juice 2 times a day

Answer 7

well they really dont need juice or water at this age as long as thier drinking thier formula. But a lot of babys like juice diluted with water at this age its something new for them to try. Just dont let your baby go to sleep with a juice bottle it could cause thier teeth to rot before they even come in.

Answer 8

i always thought it was a good idea to give my babies an ounce or two of baby water (the kind that has fluoride added) in between feedings, mostly when they cry to be fed they just want some formula or breast milk, that both hydrates them and fills them up, but water is a good idea unless they have problems swallowing it

Answer 9

No generally babies just need formula and you dont need to give them anything else at this age. If it is really hot out you can give some water but I found that water always made my kids spit up. Ask your doctor to be sure but this is what I was told.

Answer 10

yes, i gave my 2 kids water at 5 months old in between feeds
bolied water cooled in the fridge..